After nearly a year of anticipation, Monday Night RAW has premiered on Netflix, ushering in a new era of professional wrestling. Our WWE Raw Netflix premiere review coveers the event from the outset; it felt like a premium live event (PLE), with major production value, returning legends, and Hollywood celebrities in attendance, including Macaulay Culkin, Vanessa Hudgens, and Stephen Amell. While the new setup could have been more distinctive, the Los Angeles crowd’s energy more than made up for it. Let’s see how the night unfolded.
The Rock’s Opening Segment
The show opened with a video package chronicling pro wrestling’s evolution. Triple H then welcomed everyone to the Netflix era, leading into a surprise appearance by The Rock. Presenting himself as Dwayne Johnson, he thanked TKO’s corporate partners and Netflix for this groundbreaking deal, praising Cody Rhodes for carrying the company over the past year. He also acknowledged Roman Reigns as the original Tribal Chief, promising to watch the upcoming Tribal Combat closely.
Before exiting, The Rock embraced Cody Rhodes in the crowd, an unusual break from his typical persona that left fans speculating about his future involvement in upcoming events.
Tribal Combat: Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa on WWE Raw Netflix Premiere
Tribal Combat has no disqualifications, and the winner becomes the Tribal Chief, complete with Paul Heyman as Wise Man and the Ula Fala. The crowd chanted “F you, Solo,” which went uncensored, hinting at a more unfiltered approach in the Netflix era. The match followed a familiar Roman Reigns structure: methodical pacing, dramatic near-falls, and standout trash talk from Solo Sikoa. The last ten minutes were especially chaotic, with appearances by Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Jimmy Uso, and Cody Rhodes. In the end, Roman secured two spears to remain the sole Tribal Chief.
Before Paul Heyman could place the Ula Fala on Roman, The Rock returned. He took the Ula Fala from Heyman, prompting speculation that he might betray Roman, but instead put it around Roman’s neck and hugged him. It was an unexpected show of solidarity, leaving fans to wonder about the family’s future alliances.
John Cena’s Retirement Tour Announcement
John Cena arrived to an emotional “Thank you, Cena” chant, kicking off his retirement tour. He thanked Los Angeles for launching his career, referencing his “Prototype” character and his first championship. He teased potential opponents for his final year, emphasizing that this phase is about making memorable moments. Cena hinted he might not break Ric Flair’s record, given his recent losses, but then declared he would enter the 2025 Royal Rumble to earn a title shot. It was a heartfelt start to what promises to be a year-long farewell.
Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley
After months of tension, Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley finally met in a decisive showdown. Liv arrived with Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio, while Ripley carried herself like the star she is. Their encounter was among their best, with both women kicking out of each other’s finishers. Liv, aided by Raquel and Dominik, initially kept Rhea on the defensive until Rhea rallied, delivered two Riptides, and claimed the Women’s World Championship.
Dominik tried to celebrate with Ripley, but she tricked him and planted him with a Riptide. Then the lights went out as The Undertaker appeared on his motorcycle. He joined Ripley on the stage, striking his iconic pose to celebrate the new champion.
Jey Uso vs. Drew McIntyre
Jey Uso entered with rapper Travis Scott performing live, igniting the crowd. Pat McAfee and Michael Cole joined in, amplifying the excitement. Jey attacked Drew before the bell, but that eagerness quickly backfired. Drew dominated until Jey managed to kick out of a Claymore and collapsed at Drew’s feet. Ready for another Claymore, Drew rushed in, only for Jey to roll him up for a surprise pinfall. Drew’s loss, after weeks of hunting The Bloodline, raised questions about his next move and added an element of unpredictability to the show.
Hulk Hogan Segment
Hulk Hogan, accompanied by Jimmy Hart, came out to a chorus of boos. He tried promoting his new beer brand and discussing the Netflix partnership, but the crowd’s hostile reaction overshadowed his entire presentation, showing how dramatically audience sentiments can change.
Seth Rollins vs. CM Punk
The main event delivered a near-perfect clash between two fierce rivals. The crowd chanted both names as Punk targeted Rollins’ neck. They each borrowed moves from the other’s arsenal: Rollins hit Punk with a GTS, while Punk responded with a Stomp. Rollins sent Punk through the announce table with a Pedigree and tried another Pedigree in the ring, but Punk refused to stay down. Rollins followed up with a Buckle Bomb and a second Stomp, yet Punk got his foot on the rope. Seizing the moment, Punk countered with two GTS strikes to seal the pinfall victory, leaving fans craving more of this rivalry.
The Netflix Era Begins
WWE officially launched its Netflix era with high-stakes matches and milestone announcements. Promos during the show hyped the arrival of former AEW star Penta, who will face Chad Gable next week, as well as the conclusion of the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament. Now, fans worldwide can watch RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and premium events on Netflix, creating a broader global reach that invites new viewers to follow ongoing storylines in a more convenient format.
Reflecting on the Night’s Highlights in our WWE Raw Netflix Premiere Review
The Rock’s dual role as corporate spokesman and family member added complexity, as he endorsed Roman Reigns yet also shared a poignant moment with Cody Rhodes. His unexpected gesture of placing the Ula Fala around Roman’s neck suggested respect and solidarity, although it left the door open for future tensions. Roman’s victory over Solo Sikoa solidified his position at the top, while Cena’s emotional speech gave fans a glimpse into his mindset for his final run. Meanwhile, Liv Morgan and Rhea Ripley electrified the Women’s division with a back-and-forth match that showcased each superstar’s determination. The Undertaker’s sudden appearance alongside Ripley created a unique blend of eras, underscoring WWE’s capacity to merge past and present.
Jey Uso’s upset victory against Drew McIntyre proved how quickly fortunes can shift, building anticipation for what might come next in the Bloodline saga. Hogan’s segment, overshadowed by boos, reminded everyone that crowd reactions can diverge greatly from nostalgia-driven expectations. Finally, Rollins and Punk’s match delivered a main event worthy of this historic episode, weaving technical prowess, dramatic near-falls, and personal animosity into an unforgettable spectacle.
Looking Ahead to Royal Rumble
With this groundbreaking episode concluded, all eyes now turn to the 2025 Royal Rumble. Will Cena secure one last title shot? Will The Rock stay on the sidelines or step in to influence the Tribal Chief? How will Rhea Ripley handle the pressure as the new champion?
WWE’s Netflix partnership expands its global footprint, inviting diverse talent like Penta to join the roster. Fans anticipate fresh storylines as superstars test their mettle on the road to the Rumble. If the premiere is any indication, the Netflix era promises abundant surprises, blending nostalgia with modern spectacle.
Final Thoughts
The RAW Netflix Premiere blended nostalgia, star power, and a forward-thinking approach, setting an optimistic tone for WWE’s future. From The Rock’s surprising humility to Roman Reigns’ dominance, from Cena’s reflective farewell announcements to Rhea Ripley’s coronation, the show offered a tapestry of storylines that satisfied longtime fans and intrigued new viewers. By embracing Netflix, WWE aims to reach broader audiences and deliver a product that feels both accessible and fresh.
Each segment showcased talents ready to make their mark in this new era. The countdown to the 2025 Royal Rumble has begun, heightening interest in whether Cena can secure his historic 17th title. Roman’s reign appears unshakable, and Ripley stands poised to define a new standard in the women’s division. Jey Uso, meanwhile, looks to ride his momentum, and The Undertaker’s cameo teases further exciting surprises. With fan-favorite rivalries like Rollins vs. Punk reaching new heights, the Netflix era promises to keep the WWE Universe on the edge of its seat. Now, as the road to the Royal Rumble continues, the journey grows ever more compelling for fans worldwide.